Integrin Heterodimer and an Alpha Subunit Thereof

ABSTRACT

A recombinant or isolated integrin heterodimer comprising a novel subunit α11 in association with a subunit β is described. The integrin or the subunit α11 can be used as marker or target of all types of cells. The integrin or subunit α11 thereof can be used as marker or target in different physiological or therapeutic methods. They can also be used as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/980,403, filed Apr. 15, 2002, which is the National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/SE00/01135, filed May 31, 2000, whichclaims the benefit of priority of Swedish Application No. 9902056-2,filed Jun. 3, 1999. All of the above applications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a recombinant or isolated integrinheterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and a subunit β, the subunit α11thereof, homologues and fragments of said integrin and of said subunitα11, processes of producing the same, polynucleotides andoligonucleotides encoding the same, vectors and cells comprising thesame, binding entities binding specifically to binding sites of thesame, and the use of the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Integrins are heterodimers composed of non-covalently associated α- andβ-chains which connect cells to the extracellular matrix or to othercells (1). In addition to acting as mechanical links between thecytoskeleton and extracellular ligands, integrins are signal transducingreceptors which influence processes such as cell proliferation, cellmigration and cell differentiation (2-4). Integrins can be grouped intosubfamilies based on shared β-chains, shared ligand binding properties,or shared structural features of the α-chains. Currently 17 α-chains and8 β-chains have been identified (5). Of the subfamilies with sharedβ-chains, the β1 subfamily has the most members. To date, 11 integrinα-chains associated with the β1-chain have been identified andcharacterized, α1-α10 and αv (5).

Several integrins bind the sequence RGD in their respective ligands (1).Of those integrins identified so far, α4-, α5-, α8-, αIIb- and αv-chainsform heterodimers that mediate RGD-dependent interactions. The ligandscontaining RGD are generally found in the interstitial type ofextracellular matrix. Major non-RGD dependent ligands include variouscollagen and laminin isoforms. Although both collagens and lamininscontain the RGD sequence in their primary sequences, these RGD sequencesare cryptic (6-9) and normally not accessible to cells in the nativeproteins, but they may be exposed during growth and reorganizationevents of the extracellular matrix.

Another subdivision of integrins can be made based on structuralsimilarities of the α-chains. A number of integrins contain anextracellular I-domain (10,11) which is homologous to collagen bindingA-domains present in von Willebrand factor (12). The I-domainconstitutes an inserted domain of approximately 200 amino acids which ispresent in 8 known integrins (α1, α2, α10, αL, αM, αX, αD and αE)(5,10). Structural analysis of integrin I-domains crystallized in thepresence of Mg²⁺ have revealed the presence of a characteristic “MIDAS”(metal ion dependent adhesion site) motif, shown to be critical forligand binding (13). Integrin α-chains containing the I-domain are notcleaved into heavy and light chains, although the rat α1 chain possessesa proteolytic cleavage site near the membrane spanning region (14,15).For I-domain integrins the principal ligand binding sites are foundwithin the I-domain (10). Known ligands for I-domains found within theβ1 integrin subfamily include laminins and collagens (α1β1 and α2β1integrins) (16-19), and Echo-virus (α2β1 integrin) (20).

Structure comparisons have suggested that integrins fold into aso-called 7-bladed β-propeller structure which forms one globular domainwith the ligand binding region on the upper surface (21). The I-domainis inserted between blade 2 and 3 in this propeller and divalent cationbinding sites are located on the lower surface in blades 4-7 (22,23).Studies of β2 integrins have revealed that proper folding of theβ2-chain is dependent on the presence of the αL-chain but that theI-domain folds independently of other structural elements in the α-andβ-chains (24). In integrin α-chains, a less conserved stalk regionseparates the predicted β-propeller from the short transmembrane region.This stalk region is possibly involved in transducing conformationalchanges between the extracellular and intracellular regions, as well asmediating protein-protein interactions. Although integrins take part incell signalling events, the cytoplasmic tail is short and lacksenzymatic activity. The sequence GFFKR is conserved in a majority ofintegrin α-subunits cytoplasmic tails and has been shown to be importantfor calreticulin binding (25).

Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix during muscleformation and in muscular dystrophy have received increased interestduring the past years. In the early 1960's a mutant was described inDrosophila which was characterized by the detachment of muscles fromtheir attachment points at the time of the first embryonic musclecontraction, causing the embryos to assume a spheroid shape (26). Themapping of the molecular defect in the lethal myospheroid mutant in 1988to an integrin β-chain (27), was the first evidence for a role ofintegrins in maintaining muscle integrity. More recently, refinedanalysis of Drosophila mutants have indicated distinct roles forintegrins in muscle endpoint attachments and sarcomere structure (28).The Drosophila integrins are all cleaved α-chains and share manyfeatures with vertebrate integrins such as the ability to cluster intofocal contacts (29).

The finding that inactivation of the α7 integrin gene in mouse (30), aswell as mutations in the human ITGA7 gene (31), both cause musculardystrophy affecting mainly muscle attachment points, indicates astriking conservation of integrin function during evolution. Of the 11members of the β1 subfamily, α7 exists as a major integrin α-chain(32,33) associated with the β1D integrin chain in the adult skeletalmuscle sarcolemma (34). Intriguingly, mutations in the basement membraneprotein laminin α2-chain (35-37) cause a more severe disease than thatobserved for the laminin receptor integrin α7β1(30). This indicates thatother receptors for laminins exist in muscle.

A novel integrin has recently been identified on cultured human fetalmuscle cells (38). The present invention is related to, inter alia, thecloning and characterization of this novel I-domain containing,β1-associated integrin chain, which is expressed in muscle tissues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The full-length cDNA for this integrin subunit, α11, has now beenisolated. The open reading frame of the cDNA encodes a precursor of 1188amino acids. The predicted mature protein of 1166 amino acids contains 7conserved FG-GAP repeats, an I-domain with a MIDAS motif, a shorttransmembrane region and a unique cytoplasmic domain of 24 amino acidscontaining the sequence GFFRS. α11, like other I-domain integrins, lacksa dibasic cleavage site for generation of a heavy and a light chain, andcontains three potentional divalent cation binding sites in repeats 5-7.The presence of 22 inserted amino acids in the extracellular stalkportion (amino acids 804-826) distinguishes the α11 integrin sequencefrom other integrin α-chains. Amino acid sequence comparisons reveal thehighest identity of 42% with α10 integrin chain. Immunoprecipitationwith antibodies to α11 integrin captures a 145 kD protein, distinctlylarger than the 140 kD α2 integrin chain when analyzed by SDS-PAGE undernon-reducing conditions. Fluorescense in situ hybridization maps theintegrin α11 gene to chromosome 15q23, in the vicinity of an identifiedlocus for Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Based on Northern blotting integrin α11mRNA levels are high in adult human uterus and in heart, andintermediate in skeletal muscle and some other tissues tested. During invitro myogenic differentiation, α11 mRNA and protein are up-regulated.Studies of ligand binding properties show that α11β1 binds collagen typeI Sepharose and cultured muscle cells localize α11β1 into focal contactson collagen type I.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in its different aspects to the following:A recombinant or isolated integrin subunit α11 comprising essentiallythe amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1, or homologues orfragments thereof.

The invention also encompasses integrin homologues of said integrin,isolated from other species, such as bovine integrin heterodimercomprising a subunit α11 in association with a subunit β, preferably β1,as well as homologues isolated from other types of human cells or fromcells originating from other species.

The term “homologues” in the context of the present invention is meantto imply proteins of a common evolutionary origin, having identical orsimilar functions, specifically requiring evidence based on genestructure and not merely a similarity of protein structure.

The invention also encompasses a process of producing a recombinantintegrin subunit α11 comprising essentially the amino acid sequenceshown in SEQ ID No. 1, or homologues or fragments thereof, which processcomprises the steps of

a) isolating a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence codingfor an integrin subunit α11, or homologues or fragments thereof,

b) constructing an expression vector comprising the isolatedpolynucleotide,

c) transforming a host cell with said expression vector,

d) culturing said transformed host cell in a culture medium underconditions suitable for expression of integrin subunit α11, orhomologues or fragments thereof, in said transformed host cell, and,optionally,

e) isolating the integrin subunit α11, or homologues or fragmentsthereof, from said transformed host cell or said culture medium. Thetransformation can be performed in vitro, in situ or in vivo.

In further aspects, the invention encompasses:

A process of providing an integrin subunit α11, or homologues orfragments thereof, whereby said subunit is isolated from a cell in whichit is naturally present.

An isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide coding for saidintegrin subunit α11, or for homologues or fragments thereof, whichpolynucleotide comprises essentially the nucleotide sequence shown inSEQ ID No. 1 or suitable parts thereof.

An isolated polynucleotide or oligonucleotide which hybridises to apolynucleotide or oligonucleotide encoding said integrin subunit α11 orhomologues or fragments thereof, wherein said isolated polynucleotide oroligonucleotide fails to hybridise to a DNA or RNA encoding an integrinsubunit α10.

A vector comprising a polynucleotide or oligonucleotide coding for saidintegrin subunit α11, or homologues or fragments thereof, whichpolynucleotide or oligonucleotide comprises the nucleotide sequenceshown in SEQ ID No. 1 or parts thereof.

A vector comprising a polynucleotide or oligonucleotide which hybridisesto a DNA or RNA encoding an integrin subunit α11 or homologues orfragments thereof, wherein said polynucleotide or oligonucleotide failsto hybridise to a DNA or RNA encoding an integrin subunit α10.

A cell containing the vector as defined above.

A cell generated during the process as defined above, in which apolynucleotide or oligonucleotide coding for said integrin subunit α11,or homologues or fragments thereof, which polynucleotide oroligonucleotide comprises essentially the nucleotide sequence shown inSEQ ID No. 1 or parts thereof, has been stably integrated in the cellgenome.

Binding sites of the amino acid sequence of the integrin subunit α11, orof homologues or fragments thereof, said binding sites having thecapability of binding specifically to entities chosen from the groupcomprising proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, natural integrinbinding ligands, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, and fragmentsthereof.

Binding entities having the capability of binding specifically tointegrin subunit α11 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 1or to homologues or fragments thereof, preferably chosen from the groupcomprising proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, natural integrinbinding ligands, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, and fragmentsthereof.

A recombinant or isolated integrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11and a subunit β, in which the subunit α11 comprises essentially theamino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1, or homologues and fragmentsthereof. Said subunit β is preferably β1.

A process of producing a recombinant integrin heterodimer comprising asubunit α11 and a subunit β, in which the subunit α11 comprisesessentially the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1, or homologuesor fragments thereof, which process comprises the steps of

a) isolating one polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence codingfor a subunit α11 of an integrin heterodimer and, optionally, anotherpolynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for a subunit βof an integrin heterodimer, or polynucleotides or oligonucleotidescoding for homologues or fragments thereof having similar biologicalactivity,

b) constructing an expression vector comprising said isolatedpolynucleotide coding for said subunit α11 optionally in combinationwith an expression vector comprising said isolated nucleotide coding forsaid subunit β,

c) transforming a host cell with said expression vector or vectors,which transformation may be performed in vitro, in situ or in vivo,

d) culturing said transformed host cell in a culture medium underconditions suitable for expression of an integrin heterodimer comprisinga subunit α11 and a subunit β, or homologues or fragments thereof, insaid transformed host cell, and, optionally,

e) isolating the integrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and asubunit β, or homologues or fragments thereof, or the α11 subunitthereof from said transformed host cell or said culture medium.

A process of providing an integrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11and a subunit β, or homologues or fragments thereof having similarbiological activity, whereby said integrin heterodimer is isolated froma cell in which it is naturally present.

A cell containing

i) a first vector, said first vector comprising a polynucleotide oroligonucleotide coding for a subunit α11 of an integrin heterodimer, orfor homologues or parts thereof, which polynucleotide or oligonucleotidecomprises essentially the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1 orparts thereof, and

ii) a second vector, said second vector comprising a polynucleotide oroligonucleotide coding for a subunit β of an integrin heterodimer, orfor homologues or fragments thereof.

Binding sites of an integrin heterodimer as defined above, or ofhomologues or fragments thereof, said binding sites having thecapability of binding specifically to entities chosen among the groupcomprising proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, natural integrinbinding ligands, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, and fragmentsthereof.

Binding entities having the capability of binding specifically to saidintegrin heterodimer, or to homologues or fragments thereof, or asubunit α11 thereof. Said subunit β is preferably β1. The bindingentities are preferably chosen among the group comprising proteins,peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, natural integrin binding ligands, andfragments thereof.

A fragment of the integrin subunit α11, which fragment is a peptidechosen from the group comprising peptides of the cytoplasmic domain,especially a peptide comprising essentially the amino acid sequenceKLGFFRSARRRREPGLDPTPKVLE (SEQ ID No. 3), of the I-domain, especially apeptide comprising essentially the amino acid sequence from about aminoacid No. 159 to about amino acid No. 355 of SEQ ID No. 1, and theextracellular extension region, especially a peptide comprisingesentially the amino acid sequence from about amino acid No. 804 toabout amino acid No. 826 of SEQ ID No. 1.

A method of producing a fragment of the integrin subunit α11 as definedabove, which method comprises a sequential addition of amino acids. Thismethod comprises adding and removing protective groups in a manner knownby the man skilled in the art.

A polynucleotide or oligonucleotide coding for a fragment of theintegrin subunit α11 as defined above.

Binding sites of a fragment as defined above, said binding sites havingthe capability of binding specifically to entities chosen from the groupcomprising proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, natural integrinbinding ligands, and fragments thereof.

Binding entities having the capability of binding specifically to afragment as defined of the human integrin subunit α11 as defined above.Preferably, said binding entities are chosen from the group comprisingproteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, natural integrin bindingligands, and fragments thereof.

A process of using an integrin subunit α11 comprising essentially theamino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1 or an integrin heterodimercomprising said subunit α11 and a subunit β, or a homologue or fragmentof said integrin or subunit, as a marker or target molecule of cells ortissues expressing said integrin subunit α11, which cells or tissues areof animal including human origin. Especially, said subunit β is β1.

In embodiments of this process, said fragment is a peptide chosen fromthe above defined group.

In one embodiment of said process, the cells are chosen from the groupcomprising fibroblasts, muscle cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts,mesenchymally derived cells and stem cells.

Especially, said process is used during pathological conditionsinvolving said subunit α11. Said pathological conditions comprise in oneembodiment damage of muscles, muscle dystrophy, fibrosis or woundhealing. In another embodiment, said pathological conditions comprisedamage of cartilage and/or bone, or cartilage and/or bone diseases. In astill further embodiment, said pathological conditions comprise trauma,rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.

In a further embodiment, said process is a process for detecting theformation of cartilage during embryonic development, or for detectingphysiological or therapeutic reparation of cartilage and/or muscle, orfor selection and analysis, or for sorting, isolating or purification ofchondrocytes and/or muscle cells, or for detecting regeneration ofcartilage or chondrocytes during transplantation of cartilage orchondrocytes, respectively, or of muscle or muscle cells duringtransplantation of muscle or muscle cells, respectively, or for studiesof differentiation of condrocytes or muscle cells.

Said process may be and in vitro, an in situ or an in vivo process.

A process of using binding entities having the capability of bindingspecifically to binding sites of an integrin subunit α11 as definedabove, or of an integrin heterodimer comprising said subunit α11 and asubunit β, or to homologues or fragments thereof, as markers or targetmolecules of cells or tissues expressing said integrin subunit α11,which cells or tissues are of animal including human origin. Especially,said subunit β is β1.

In embodiments of this process, said fragment is as defined above.

In one embodiment, said process is a process for detecting the presenceof an integrin subunit α11 comprising the amino acid sequence shown inSEQ ID No. 1, or of an integrin heterodimer comprising said subunit α11and a subunit β, or of homologues or fragments thereof.

Furthermore, embodiments of this process encompass similar embodimentsas defined above in connection with the process of using the integrinsubunit α11 as a marker or target molecule.

A process for detecting the presence of an integrin subunit α11, or of ahomologue or fragment of said integrin subunit, as defined above, oncells, whereby a polynucleotide or oligonucleotide chosen from the groupcomprising essentially a polynucleotide or oligonucleotide as shown inSEQ ID No. 1 is used as a marker under hybridisation conditions, whereinsaid polynucleotide or oligonucleotide fails to hybridise to a DNA orRNA encoding an integrin subunit α10. Said cells may be chosen from thegroup comprising muscle cells.

In embodiments of this process, said fragment is as defined above.

Furthermore, embodiments of this process encompass similar embodimentsas defined above in connection with the process of using the integrinsubunit α11 as a marker or target molecule.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient apharmaceutical agent or an antibody which is capable of using anintegrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and a subunit β, or thesubunit α11 thereof, or a homologue or fragment of said integrin orsubunit α11, as a target molecule.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient apharmaceutical agent or an antibody which is capable of stimulating cellsurface expression or activation of an integrin heterodimer comprising asubunit α11 and a subunit β, or the subunit α11 thereof, or homologuesor fragmens of said integrin or subunit α11. In one embodiment, saidcomposition is for use in stimulating, inhibiting or blocking theformation of muscles, cartilage, bone or blood vessels.

A vaccine comprising as an active ingredient at least one member of thegroup comprising an integrin heterodimer, which heterodimer comprises asubunit α11 and a subunit β, or the subunit α11 thereof, and mologues orfragments of said integrin or subunit α11, and a polynucleotide and aoligonucleotide coding for said integrin subunit α11.

A method of gene therapy, whereby a vector comprising a polynucleotideor oligonucleotide coding for a subunit α11 of an integrin heterodimer,or for homologues or fragments thereof, which polynucleotide oroligonucleotide comprises essentially the nucleotide sequence shown inSEQ ID NO: 1 or parts thereof, and optionally a second vector comprisinga polynucleotide or oligonucleotide coding for a subunit β of saidintegrin heterodimer, is administered to a subject suffering frompathological conditions involving said subunit α11.

A method of using binding entities having the capability of bindingspecifically to binding sites of a integrin subunit α11 comprisingsubstantially the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1, or of anintegrin heterodimer comprising said subunit α11 and a subunit β, or tohomologues or fragments thereof, for promoting adhesion of cells.

A method of using an integrin heterodimer comprising an integrin subunitα11 and a subunit β, or the subunit α11 thereof, or homologues orfragments of said integrin or subunit α11, as a target for anti-adhesivedrugs or molecules in tissues where adhesion impairs the function of thetissue.

A method of in vitro detecting the presence of integrin bindingentities, comprising interaction of an integrin heterodimer comprising asubunit α11 and a subunit β, or the subunit α11 thereof, or homologuesor fragments of said integrin or subunit, with a sample, thereby causingsaid integrin, subunit α11, or homologue or fragment thereof, tomodulate the binding to its natural ligand or other integrin bindingproteins present in said sample.

A method of in vitro studying consequences of the interaction of a humanheterodimer integrin comprising a subunit α11 and a subunit β, or thesubunit α11 thereof, or homologues or fragments of said integrin orsubunit, with an integrin binding entity and thereby initiate a cellularreaction. In one embodiment of this method, the consequences of saidinteractions are measured as alterations in cellular functions.

A method of using a polynucleotide or oligonucleotide encoding anintegrin subunit α11 or homologues or fragments thereof as a targetmolecule.

One embodiment of this method comprises hybridising a polynucleotide oroligonucleotide to the DNA or RNA encoding the integrin subunit α11 orhomologue or fragment thereof, which polynucleotide or oligonucleotidefails to hybridise to a polynucleotide or oligonucleotide encoding anintegrin subunit α10.

A method of using binding entities having the capability of bindingspecifically to an integrin subunit α10 comprising the amino acidsequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 2, or an integrinheterodimer comprising said subunit α10 and a subunit β, or tohomologues or fragments thereof having similar biological activity, forpromoting adhesion of chondrocytes and/or osteoblasts to surfaces ofimplants to stimulate osseointegration.

A method of using an integrin heterodimer comprising an integrin subunitα11 and a subunit β, or the subunit α10 thereof, or homologues orfragments of said integrin or subunit α, as a target for anti-adhesivedrugs or molecules in tendon, ligament, skeletal muscle or other tissueswhere adhesion impairs the function of the tissue.

A method of stimulating, inhibiting or blocking the formation ofcartilage or bone, comprising administration to a subject a suitableamount of a pharmaceutical agent or an antibody which is capable ofusing an integrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and a subunit β,or the subunit α11 thereof, or homologues or fragments of said integrinor subunit α11, as a target molecule.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES Cell Cultures

The human fetal myoblast/myotube cultures were derived from clone G6originating from a thigh muscle of a 73-day old aborted fetus ((39);referred to as G6 hereafter). Cultures of G6 and 2.5 years postnatalhuman satellite cells XXVI, a gift from Dr. Helen Blau (StanfordUniversity, CA), were grown as reported earlier (39). Humanrhabdomyosarcoma cell lines RD (ATCC No. CCL-136) and A204 (ATCC No.CRL-7900) were grown in DMEM (Swedish Agricultural University, Uppsala)supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum.

RNA Isolation and cDNA Synthesis

Total RNA from G6 and XXVI myoblasts, the same cells differentiated for3 or 7 days, and RD and A204 cell lines, was isolated using the RNeasyMidi kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Poly-ARNA was extracted from total RNA of G6 and XXVI cells using DynabeadsmRNA DIRECT kit (DYNAL A.S., Norway).

PCR Based Cloning and Generation of Human α11 Probes

First strand cDNA was generated from 1 μg of G6 mRNA using a reversetranscription PCR-kit (Perkin-Elmer). Advantage cDNA Polymerase Mix(Clontech) was used in PCR amplifications using two different pairs ofprimers: (1) 5′ACG GGA GAC GTG TAC AAG TG 3′ (forward), 5′-AAA GTG CTGAAC CTC CAC CC-3′ (reverse) and (2) 5′-CAC CAT CCA CCA GGC TAT GC-3′(forward), 5′-TTA GCG TTC CGT TAT AAA CA-3′ (reverse). The PCRconditions were: 94° C., 4 min. (“hot start”); 94° C., 30 s; 55° C., 30s; and 72° C., 1 min., for 25 cycles. Two products, named PCR1 and PCR2,were obtained (FIG. 1), subcloned into the plasmid vector TA(Invitrogen), and sequenced. A single product of 1.4 kb in size, namedPCR 3 (FIG. 1), was amplified using primers 1 (forward) and 2 (reverse),and human heart Marathon-Ready cDNA (Clontech) as template. Annealingtemperatures in the applied touch-down program were: 68° C., 1 min., 5cycles; 65° C., 1 min., 5 cycles; 60° C., 1 min, 25 cycles. Other stepswere as described above. After the final cycle the reactions wereextended for additional 7 min. at 72° C. followed by a hold step at 4°C. To obtain a sequence covering the 5′end, Rapid Amplification of cDNAEnds (RACE) was employed according to the manufacturer's instructions(Marathon cDNA Amplification kit, Clontech) using cDNA prepared from G6mRNA and the gene specific antisense primer: 5′-CTT GGA GAA CCT GAA GTTGGA GTT GAC-3′. Amplification was carried out applying the “touch-down”program (see above). To identify relevant products, 10 μl of each RACEproduct was resolved on 1% agarose gel and subjected to Southern blotanalysis as described previously (40). PCR2 (see above) was labeled with[α-³²P] dCTP (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Sweden) using the RedyPrimeIIDNA labeling system (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, UK), and used as ahybridization probe. One specific signal was detected. CorrespondingcDNA was purified (Gel Extraction kit, Quagen), cloned into the TAvector and sequenced (see FIG. 1).

Screening of cDNA Libraries

A λZAP custom made G6 cDNA library (Stratagene, USA) was screened withPCR2 (see above) as a probe. The screening procedure (carried out asdescribed in (40)) resulted in two clones representing the 5′ non-codingregion and the beginning of the coding part of integrin α11 (FIG. 1). Toobtain an additional sequence, a human uterus 5′-stretch λgt11 cDNAlibrary (Clontech) was screened with a mixture of PCR1 and PCR2 asprobes. The probes were labeled with [α-³²P] dCTP using the Ready-To-GoDNA labeling beads (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Sweden). Three clones(1.1-1.3 in FIG. 1) representing parts of α11 cDNA, were obtained.Rescreening of the human uterus 5′-stretch λgt11 cDNA library with theprobe R290 (corresponding to 2183-2473 in FIG. 1) yielded three moreclones (2.1-2.3, FIG. 1) covering the rest of α11 cDNA. Positive cloneswere plaque purified, the phage DNA isolated using the Lambda Midi kit(Qiagen) and then sub-cloned into the Bluescript SK or pUC19 plasmidvectors before sequencing.

Northern Hybridization

A filter containing 6 μg of the poly-A RNA from G6 and XXVI cells and 10μg of the total RNA from RD and A204 cell lines, and a Human MultipleTissue Northern Blot containing poly-A RNA from adult human tissues(Clontech), were hybridized at 68° C. in ExpressHyb solution (Clontech)with probes labeled as described above. The probes used were PCR1, PCR2,cDNA clone 1.3 (FIG. 1), 3RA (1.8 kb cDNA specific for human integrin α1mRNA, a generous gift from E. E. Marcantonio (Columbia University, NewYork), a 1.1 kb cDNA clone recognizing human G3PHD mRNA and a 1.8 kbcDNA clone recognizing human β-actin (both from Clontech).

cDNA Sequencing and Sequence Analysis

All PCR fragments and cDNA clones were sequenced on both strands eithermanually (29) or using ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer automatic sequencer.Sequences were analyzed with the aid of MacVector™ 6.0, DNA Star,Faktura™NEW 1.2.0, and Sequence Navigator 1.0.1 software programs. Adistance tree of all I-domain containing integrin a subunits wasassembled using SEAVIEW and PHYLO-WIN softwares (41). Percent similaritybetween every two members in the I-domain integrin subfamily wascalculated by a formula I=(1−D)×100, where “I” is identity and “D” isdistance.

Antibodies

A polyclonal antiserum (α11 cyt) was produced against the peptideCRREPGLDPTPKVLE from the integrin α11 cytoplasmic domain. Peptidesynthesis and conjugation to Keyhole limpet hemocyanin, immunization ofrabbits and affinity purification was performed at Innovagen AB (Lund,Sweden). The monoclonal antibody Mab 13 against integrin β1 was obtainedfrom S. K. Akiyama (NIEHS, NIH). Monoclonal antibodies to integrin α1(clone FB12, sold as MAB 1973) and integrin α2 (clone BHA2.1 sold as Mab1998) were both obtained from Chemicon, Temecula, Calif. The monoclonalantibody to vinculin (clone hVIN-1) was from Sigma (Saint Louis, Mo.,USA). Secondary fluorescent antibodies (CY3™-coupled goat-anti rabbitIgG and FITC-coupled goat anti-mouse IgG of multiple labeling grade)were from Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc. (West Grove, Pa.,USA).

Immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE

G6 and XXVI cells were labeled with [³⁵S] cysteine/methionine andsubjected to immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE as reported previously(38). The two-step procedure used to dissociate integrin heterodimerswas carried out as follows. After incubation of samples with β1 antibodyand capture with GammaBind G Sepharose (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech,Uppsala, Sweden), 100 μl of 1% SDS was added to the washed beads whichwere then boiled for 5 minutes. 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl and1% Triton X-100 was added to a final volume of 1 ml and the lysate wasincubated with GammaBind G Sepharose for 1 hour. The incubation withGammaBind G was performed in order to ensure that no reactive β1antibodies remained. After removal of GammaBind G Sepharose, α11integrin antibody was added for additional 2 hours, followed by capturewith protein A Sepharose (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) and boiling inSDS-PAGE sample buffer.

Chromosomal Localization

Chromosomal localization of the human integrin α11 was performed byusing a combination of FISH (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization)technique and DAPI (4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) banding essentiallyas described earlier (42). As a hybridization probe, the 1.4 kb RT-PCRproduct PCR3 was used.

Surface Iodination and Affinity Chromatography

Cultured XXVI cells were surface iodinated as described (38). Labeledcells were solubilized in 1 ml of solubilization buffer (10 mM Tris-HClpH 7.4, 15 mM NaCl, 1% Triton X-100, 1 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM CaCl₂, 1 mMMnCl₂), centrifuged at 14000 g for 20 min., and soluble membraneproteins were applied to a collagen type I Sepharose (bovine collagentype I from Vitrogen (Collagen Corp., Palo Alto) coupled toCNBr-activated Sepharose CL-4B at 3 mg/ml gel as described (14)),equilibrated in solubilization buffer. Following a one hour incubationthe column was washed extensively with buffer A (10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4,50 mM NaCl, 1 mM MnCl₂, 0.1% Triton X-100) and by 10 column volumes ofbuffer A without NaCl. Bound proteins were eluted with 20 mM EDTA, 10 mMTris- HCl pH 7.4, 0.1% Triton X-100. Peak fractions were pooled andconcentrated by immunoprecipitation with β1 integrin and α11 integrinantibodies as described under Immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE. Elutedfrations and captured proteins were analyzed on 7.5% SDS-PAGE gelsfollowed by autoradiography.

Indirect Immunofluorescence

Cells cultured on coverslips were washed in serum-free medium and fixedfor 8 min. in acetone at −20° C. Non-specific binding sites were blockedby incubating with 10% goat serum diluted in phosphate buffered saline.In the double immunofluorescence staining protocol, primary antibodies(anti-α11 cyt (rabbit antibody) and anti-vinculin (mouse antibody)) weresimultaneously incubated with fixed cells for 1.5 hours at +37° C.Specifically bound antibodies were detected using anti-rabbit Cy3 IgGand anti-mouse FITC IgG. Stained cells were mounted in Vectashield™mounting medium (Vector Laboratories, Inc., Burlingame, Calif., USA) andvisualized and photographed under a Zeiss light microscipe equipped withoptics for observing fluorescence.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

cDNA Cloning of a Novel Integrin α-Chain

In order to determine the nature of the integrin chain that we hadpreviously characterized on human fetal muscle cells and named αmt (38),a number of approaches were used. Applying PCR with mRNA from fetalmuscle cells as template together with degenerate primers to conservedregions of integrin α subunits (43) we amplified cDNA for α1, α4, α5, α6and αv integrin chains (data not shown), but failed to amplify the novelintegrin. However, while searching through the literature we came acrosstwo integrin sequences obtained in a subtractive hybridization protocolcomparing human primary myoblasts with the rhabdomyosarcoma cell line RD(44). After having confirmed that these sequences could be amplified byPCR from human fetal G6 myoblast cDNA, PCR was performed assuming thatthese sequences were derived from the same transcript. In this manner a1.4 kb cDNA fragment with integrin-like sequence was obtained. Screeningof a human fetal myoblast cDNA library and 5′ RACE yielded additional 5′sequence. We determined the mRNA expression pattern in a number of humantissues (see below) and observed a high mRNA expression in the uterus.Screening of a uterus cDNA library resulted in the identification of thecomplete open reading frame. A schematic illustration of the cloningstrategy is shown in FIG. 1.

cDNA Sequence and Predicted Amino Acid Sequence of α11 Integrin Chain

By sequence analysis of cDNA clones and 5′ RACE products we obtained acontinuous sequence of 3983 nucleotides (nt) composed of 90 nt 5′non-coding sequence, 3564 nt open reading frame, and 326 nt 3′non-coding sequence. Translation of the sequence predicts an integrinα-chain like precursor of 1188 amino acids including a 22 amino acidlong signal peptide (FIG. 2, GenBank accession No. AF137378). The mature1166 amino acid long peptide is larger than any other currentlyidentified integrin α-chain (the closest being αE, composed of 1160amino acids (45). The 1119 amino acid long predicted extracellulardomain contains 7 FG-GAP repeats in the amino-terminal end with aninserted I-domain between repeats 2 and 3. The I-domain consists of 195amino acids and includes a conserved MIDAS motif. In addition to themetal chelating site in the I-domain, three additional potentialdivalent cation binding motifs with the consensus sequence DXD/NXDXXXDare present in repeats 5-7. A total of 20 cysteines are located in theextracellular domain. Of these, 16 are conserved in the most closelyrelated integrin α10 and α1 chains and they may contribute tointramolecular disulphide bonds. The two non-conserved cysteines foundat positions Cys 606 and Cys 988 most likely represent free unpairedcysteines while the two non-conserved cysteines Cys 806 and Cys 817 maypair to form a disulphide bond. Mapping of the cysteines in thesuggested β-propeller structure shows that the first three disulphidebonds are likely to stabilize blades one and two of the β-propellerwhereas the remaining bonds are found outside the propeller region, inthe stalk region towards the transmembrane domain. 16 potentionalN-glycosylation sites are present in α11. A search for sequence motifsreveals the presence of a 22 amino acid leucine zipper motif starting atposition 951, and a 17 amino acid sequence starting at position 1082,which is similar to sequences found in G-protein coupled receptors.These sequences might represent functional domains of importance forprotein-protein interactions.

The transmembrane region (amino acids 1142-1164) is 23 amino acids longand is followed by a cytoplasmic tail of 24 amino acids. The cytoplasmictail contains the sequence GFFRS (SEQ ID No. 4) instead of the conservedGFFKR sequence (SEQ ID No.5), found in all other α-chains except α8-α10.It will be interesting to determine the importance of this sequence indefining the cytoplasmic domain as well as its possible ability to bindcalreticulin and other intra-cellular components.

Comparison of Integrin α11 Chain with Other Integrin α Chains

Alignment of the predicted α11 integrin amino acid sequence with otherintegrin sequences shows the highest overall identity with α10 (42%identity), α1 (37% identity), and α2 (35% identity), followed by theremaining I-domain containing integrin subunits. Of the non I-domaincontaining integrins, α4 and α9 are the most similar to α11. A distancetree shows that α10 and α11 form a separate branch from the most closelyrelated α1 and α2 integrin chains (FIG. 3). The similarity with otherintegrins is particularly high in the N-terminal β-propeller part butlower in the stalk region. Comparison of α1 integrin with α2 integrinhas pointed to the presence of a 38-residue insert in the β-propellerregion of α1 integrin chain (15). Like α1 chain, α11 also containsinserted amino acids not present in the other I-domain containingintegrin chains. However, in the α11 chain these are found within thestalk region at amino acids 804-826. The exact border of the predictedinsertion varies depending on the alignment method and the parameterschosen, but is predicted to span at least 22 amino acids. The insertshows no significant similarity to other integrin sequences and containstwo cysteines likely to form a disulphide bond (see FIG. 2). We do notbelieve that the predicted inserted sequence represents a cloningartifact since it is present in three independently analysed clones.Other examples of non I-domain inserted sequences are found in theDrosophila αPS2 chain, where developmentally regulated splicing in theligand binding region modulates ligand affinity (46). In α7 integrinchain, splicing in the extracellular domain between predicted blades 2and 3 in the β-propeller generates X1 and X2 variants, affecting thebinding to laminin-1 in a cell-specific manner (47). In the more closelyrelated α1 integrin chain the 38 extra amino acids are present in aposition that is predicted to be in the beginning of the sixth blade ofthe 7-bladed propeller. So far there is no evidence that the extra aminoacids in either α1 or α11 arise by alternative splicing. In α11 thepredicted inserted region is outside the β-propeller and most likelydoes not directly affect ligand binding, but might instead be involvedin modifying protein-protein interactions or be important for outside-inor inside-out signalling. In this regard it is interesting to note thattetraspan proteins by binding to the stalk region of certain integrinα-chains can recruit PI-4 kinase and protein kinase C to integrincomplexes (48). Likewise the extracellular membrane-proximal parts ofcertain integrin α-chains have been shown to be involved in Shc-mediatedintegrin signalling (49).

Analysis of sequences identified during screening for genes upregulatedduring tadpole regression revealed a partial sequence, which at the timewas reported to show the highest similarity to integrin α1 (41%identity) (50). This sequence, when translated (amino acids 1-116),shows 71 % identity to human α11 and thus most likely represents theXenopus orthologue of α11 rather than that of the α1. These data suggestthat α11 is well conserved during evolution.

Chromosomal Localization of the Integrin α11 Gene

A fluorescent cDNA probe was used for in situ hybridization on metaphasechromosome spreads. The analysis shows that the integrin α11 gene(ITGA11) is located on chromosome 15q23 (FIG. 4). The genes for I-domaincontaining integrins α1 and α2 are both present on chromosome 5 (51,52),just as the genes for the closely related β2 integrin associatedα-chains all map to chromosome 16 (53). Interestingly, the α11 gene andthe closely related α1 and α2 genes, map to different chromosomes. Itwill be of evolutionary interest to determine the chromosomallocalization of the integrin α10 gene. Curiously, a form of Bardet-Biedlsyndrome characterized by retinitis pigmentosa, polydactyly, obesity,hypogenitalism, mental retardation, and renal anomalies maps to 15q22-23(54). Future studies will clarify a possible linkage of ITGA 11 toBardet-Biedl syndrome.

Expression Pattern of α11 mRNA in Adult Tissues

Northern blot analysis of mRNA from various adult human tissues showsthe highest level of expression of α11 in adult human uterus. A strongsignal is also noted in heart, while intermediate levels of α11 mRNA arepresent in skeletal muscle and intermediate to low levels in other adulttissues tested (FIG. 5 and data not shown). For a comparison, the sameblot was probed for the closely related α1 integrin mRNA (FIG. 5). Astriking difference in the expression levels of α1 and α11 was observedin the smooth muscle rich uterus, which appears to lack α1.Immunohistochemical analysis and in situ hybridizations will elucidatethe detailed distribution of α11 protein and mRNA in muscle and othertissues. Neither α1 (33) nor α2 (55) are present in muscle fibers, andthe distribution of α10 in skeletal muscle tissues is not known (5).Hence, no I-domain containing integrin has so far been reported to beexpressed in the skeletal muscle sarcolemma. Recently the gene for α1integrin was inactivated in mice, resulting in mice with an apparentlynormal phenotype (56). More careful analysis revealed a phenotypecharacterized by a hypocellular skin (57) and aberrant regulation ofcollagen synthesis (58). It will be interesting to compare sites ofoverlapping expression between α1, α2 and α10 integrins, and usereagents to α10 and α11 to examine possible functional compensatorymechanisms in α1 integrin-deficient mice.

Biochemical Characterization of α11 Protein

Following the cloning of the full-length α11 integrin cDNA it wasessential to determine if the predicted amino acid sequence wasidentical to the novel uncleaved β1 integrin-associated α-chain that wehad previously noted to be upregulated during in vitro differentiationof human myoblasts (38). To answer this question we raised antibodies tothe cytoplasmic tail of the integrin α11 chain. Immunoprecipitation fromthe human satellite cells showed that the antibodies precipitated a 145kDa α11 band associated with a 115 kDa β1 band (FIG. 6, panel A) inSDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions. Under reducing conditions theα11 band migrated as 155 kDa (see FIG. 6, panel B). From the translatedamino acid sequence an Mr of 133 400 is predicted for the α11 chain.Taking the 16 potential glycosylation sites into account this fits wellwith the observed 155 kDa band in SDS-PAGE. Under non-reducingconditions the 145 kDa band is distinctly larger than α2 (FIG. 6, panelA) and α10 integrin chains which co-migrate as 140 kDa bands and α11migrates well below the 180 kDa integrin α1 band. The α2 (59) and α10(5) chains both contain 10 potentional glycosylation sites whereas α1contains 26 glycosylation sites (60). The intermediate size of α11 inSDS-PAGE compared with α1 and α2/α10 is thus most likely a result ofdifferential glycosylation.

To show that α11 is associated with the β1 subunit a two-stepimmunoprecipitation procedure was performed. Integrins were firstprecipitated with a monoclonal anti-β1 integrin antibody and GammaBind Gcaptured integrins were then dissociated by boiling in 1% SDS. In thesecond step, SDS was diluted tenfold and antibodies to α11 were added.As shown in FIG. 6 panel A antibodies to α11 immunoprecipitate only the145 kDa band from the dissociated precipitate initially captured with β1antibodies.

Induction of α11 mRNA and Protein During Myogenic Differentiation InVitro

It has previously been determined that αmt is the major integrin α-chainthat is up-regulated during myogenic differentiation on human fetalmyoblasts in vitro (38). To compare α11 levels in myoblasts andmyotubes, immuno-precipitates were analyzed from myoblast cultures inproliferation medium, and from parallel cultures allowed todifferentiate and form myotubes in differentiation medium for 7 days.Immunoprecipitation with both β1 and α11 antibodies showed that α11,like αmt, is strongly up-regulated at the protein level indifferentiation cultures of human fetal muscle cells and satellite cells(FIG. 6, panel B). To determine if the up-regulation occurs at the mRNAor protein level we analyzed α11 mRNA from different differentiationstages (day 1, day 3 and day 7) (FIG. 6, panel C). Already at day 3 indifferentiation medium a strong up-regulation of α11 mRNA was noted,establishing that the up-regulation of α11 integrin protein occurs as aresult of increased transcription or mRNA stability. Based on similarSDS-PAGE migration patterns, similar behavior under reducing conditions,association with β1 integrin chain, and up-regulation during in vitrodifferentiation of human fetal myoblasts, the present data show that α11integrin is identical with αmt.

Analysis of mRNA from the two rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines RD and A204(FIG. 6, panel C) did not provide evidence for the presence of α11 ineither cell line. Based on the observed up-regulation of α11β1 in humanfetal muscle cells and the presence of α11 message in adult muscle wesuggest that α11 integrin might be involved in early steps of muscleformation and that it in adult muscle tissues may fulfill a stabilizingrole. The α7 integrin subunit is a major β1-associated integrin chain inmuscle, but genetic deletion of α7 leads to a fairly mild musculardystrophy (30).

Ligand Binding Specificity of α11β1 Integrin

So far identified I-domain containing integrins of the β1 integrinsubfamily all bind collagens (5,15,59). For α1 and α2 this bindingcapacity has been shown to reside within the I-domain (17,18). Todetermine if α11β1 also binds collagen we performed collagen type ISepharose chromatography of membrane proteins from surface-iodinatedXXVI satellite cells. Direct analysis of the EDTA eluate revealed weakbands corresponding to the positions of α1, α2, α11 and β1 in parallelimmunoprecipitations (FIG. 7, panel 1). The EDTA eluate was concentratedby immunoprecipitation with β1 and α11 antibodies. As shown in FIG. 7, aprominent α11 band is present in the collagen I Sepharose eluate. Therelatively weak β1 band in the proteins captured with α11 antibodiesindicates that the α11β1 heterodimer partly dissociates in the presenceof EDTA. To visualize the interaction of α11β1 integrin with collagen Iin intact cells, myogenic cells expressing α11β1 were trypsinized andplated on collagen and fibronectin for 1 hour. The ability to form focalcontacts was investigated by double immunofluorescence staining forα11-chain and vinculin. As seen in panel 2 of FIG. 7 α11 localizes tovinculin positive focal contacts on collagen but not on fibronectin.Binding studies with α11 I-domain expressed as a bacterial GST-fusionprotein also confirmed a specific affinity for collagen I (unpublishedM. Höök, R. Rich, R. Owens). Stable transfections of α11 cDNA into cellswith various integrin backgrounds will allow a more detailed study ofα11β1 interactions with different collagen, and possibly also laminin,isoforms. Combined with in vivo distribution studies of α11β1 this islikely to yield valuable information regarding the in vivo ligands forα11β1 in different tissues.

α11 Integrin Protein Distribution in Human Embryo

Morphologically normal human embryos (aged from 4 to 8 post-ovulatoryweeks) were obtained from legal abortions induced by Mifepristone(RU486) at Hopital Broussais in Paris. All procedures were approved bythe Ethical Committee of Saint-Vincent de Paul Hospital in Paris.

Each sample was first examined macroscopically during dissection under astereo-microscope. The development stage of the embryos was determinedusing established criteria. Tissues were collected shortly afterdelivery and frozen within the first 24 h post mortem on dry ice andstored at −80° C. until used. Seven micron-thick cryostat sections weremounted on slides previously coated with a 2%3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane solution in acetone. The cryosection wasleft unfixed prior to blocking of non-specific binding sites with 10%goat serum diluted in phosphate buffered saline. For immunofluorscence,the section was incubated with α11 antibodies 1.5 h at +37° C.Specifically bound antibodies were detected using goat anti-rabbit Cy3IgG (Jackson Immunoresearch). The stained tissue section was mounted inVectashield™ mounting medium (Vector Laboratories Inc.) and visualizedand photographed under a Zeiss ligth microscope equipped with optics forobserving fluorescence.

The results obtained are shown in FIG. 8. High levels of α11 proteinwere noted around vertebrae (arrows), in intervertebrae disc(asterisks), around ribs (thin arrows) and around forming cartilage inthe forelimb (arrowhead).

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FIGURE LEGENDS

FIG. 1. Schematic Organization of PCR Fragments and cDNA ClonesRepresenting Different Parts of the Full Length Sequence of Integrin α11Subunit

A. Clones 1.1-1.3 and 2.1-2.3 are from the first and the second round ofscreening, respectively. Fragment 0.0 represents a 5′ RACE product aswell as a clone obtained from screening of the G6 library. PCR fragments1-3 and a SacI fragment of a clone 1.3, λ290, are marked with thicklines. Names and positions of all the clones on a scheme are shown intabulated form in B.

B. Names of the PCR-amplified fragments and cDNA clones shown in A arein the left column, and their positions in the full length cDNA ofintegrin α11 in the right column.

FIG. 2. Nucleotide and Dedued Amino Acid Sequence of the Human Integrinα11 Chain

The putative signal peptide is underlined in bold, I-domain is boxed,potential N-linked glycosylation sites are marked with asterisks,cysteines are underlined, potential divalent cation binding motifs aredouble underlined and the transmembrane domain is underlined withdashes. A 22 amino acid insert is boxed in bold.

FIG. 3. A Distance Tree of the I-Domain Containing α-Integrin SubfamilyMembers

A tree was assembled based using ClustalW multiple alignment-basedSEAVIEW and PHYLOWIN softwares. A scale at the bottom shows percentidentity.

FIG. 4. Chromosome Mapping of ITGA11 Gene by Fluorescent In SituHybridization (FISH)

A. Left panel shows the FISH signals on human chromosome 15; right panelshows the same mitotic figure stained with 4′, 6-diamino-2-phenylindoleto identify human chromosome 15.

B. Diagram of FISH mapping result for the probe PCR3 based on a detailedanalyses of 10 different images. Each dot represents the double FISHsignals detected on human chromosome 15.

FIG. 5. Expression of Integrin α11 and α1 Subunit mRNAs in Adult HumanTissues

Integrin α11 mRNA and integrin α1 mRNA were analyzed on a membrane withRNA from various adult human tissues where mRNA loading was normalizedwith respect to β-actin. Probes used for hybridizations are marked onthe left. Size of molecular weight standard is marked to the right. Notethat the β-actin probe reacts with 2 kb β/γ actin transcripts and themuscle specific 1.8 kb α-actin message.

FIG. 6. Biochemical Characterization of Integrin α11 Chain andUpregulation of Corresponding Protein and mRNA in Myogenic CellsA. α11 Associates with β1 Integrin Chain.

Human XXVI and G6 muscle cells were metabolically labeled with [³⁵S]cysteine/methionine and integrins were immunoprecipitated with theindicated antibodies (β1, α2 and α11). Evidence for the association ofintegrin α11 with the β1 subunit obtained by treating proteinsprecipitated with anti-β1 antibodies with SDS followed by a secondprecipitation with α11 antibodies (ant−α11+SDS). Precipitated proteinswere resolved on 7.5% SDS-PAGE gels in the absence of reducing agents,followed by fluorography.

B. Induction of Integrin α11 Upon Myogenic Differentiation In Vitro.

G6 muscle cells were metabolically labeled with [³⁵S]cysteine/methionine when growing in proliferation medium(mb-proliferating myoblasts) and after 7 days in differentiation medium)(mt-myotubes). Integrins were precipitated with antibodies to β1 and α11and the precipitates were resolved on 7.5% SDS-PAGE gels both undernon-reducing (UNREDUCED) and reducing (REDUCED) conditions. Lanes 1, 3,5 and 7 are immunoprecipitations with the antibody to integrin β1, andlanes 2, 4, 6 and 8 with the antibody to integrin α11.

C. Upregulation of Integrin α11 mRNA in Differentiated Myogenic Cells.

mRNA was extracted from G6 and XXVI cells growing under proliferating(p) or differentiating (d) conditions for 3 days (d3) or 7 days (d7).Total RNA was isolated from RD and A204 cells. Following separation ofRNA on agarose gel and transfer to the membrane, the filter washybridized with probes to α11 integrin (α11) andglyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Size of bands in RNAstandard (in kb) are marked to the right.

FIG. 7. Ligand Binding Properties of a11β1 Integrin

Panel 1: Collage Binding Integrins on XXVI Cells.

XXVI cells were surface iodinated and integrins were analyzed byimmunoprecipitation and collagen I Sepharose affinity chromatography.Immunoprecipitation reveals the presence of β1 integrins (lane 1), α11β1(lane 2), α11β1 (lane 3) and α2β1 (lane 4) at the surface of XXVI cells.EDTA eluted proteins bound to collagen I Sepharose contain weak band inthe position of α1, α11, α2 and β1 integrin chains (lane 5).Immunoprecipitations with β1 integrin antibodies (lane 6) and α11integrin antibodies (lane 7) confirm the presence of α11 and β1 in theEDTA eluate.

Panel 2: α11β1 localizes to focal contacts on collagen.

Indirect immunofluorescent visualization of vinculin (A, B) and α11integrin chain (C, D) in human XXVI satellite cells seeded on collagentype I (A and C) and fibronectin (B and D). Note the localization ofintegrin α11 chain to focal contacts of cells allowed to attach tocollagen and its complete absence on cells seeded on fibronectin.Vinculin is found in focal contacts on both substrates. A and C show thesame cell double stained for both antigens. Scale bar is 20 μm.

FIG. 8. α11 Integrin Protein Distribution at 8 Weeks of Gestation.

Composite of immunohistochemical staining of sagital section of humanembryo at 8 weeks of gestation. Note high levels of α11 protein aroundvetrebrae (arrows), in intervertebral disc (asterisks), around ribs(thin arrows) and around forming cartilage in the forelimb (arrowhead).

1-11. (canceled)
 12. An antibody or fragment thereof capable of bindingspecifically to integrin subunit α11, or homologues or fragmentsthereof, wherein the integrin subunit α11 comprises essentially theamino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2. 13-20. (canceled)
 21. Anantibody or fragment thereof capable of binding specifically to anintegrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and a subunit β, orhomologues or fragments thereof, wherein the integrin subunit α11comprises essentially the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2.22-49. (canceled)
 50. A method for marking or targeting cells or tissuesexpressing integrin subunit α11, wherein the cells or tissues are ofanimal origin, comprising contacting said cells or tissues with anantibody or fragment thereof capable of binding specifically to saidintegrin subunit α11, or homologues or fragments thereof, or to anintegrin heterodimer comprising said subunit α11 and a subunit β, orhomologues or fragments thereof, wherein the integrin subunit α11comprises essentially the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2. 51.A method according to claim 50, which is a method for detecting thepresence of integrin subunit α11 in cells or tissues.
 52. A methodaccording to claim 50, which is a method for determining thedifferentiation-state of cells during differentiation, development, inpathological conditions, in tissue regeneration, in transplantation, orin therapeutic and physiological repair of tissues.
 53. A methodaccording to claim 52, wherein the pathological conditions involve saidintegrin subunit α11.
 54. A method according to claim 52, wherein thepathological conditions are selected from the group consisting of damageof muscles, muscle dystrophy, fibrosis, wound healing, damage ofcartilage and/or bone, cartilage and/or bone diseases, trauma,rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. 55-56. (canceled)57. A method according to claim 52, which is a method for detecting theformation of cartilage during embryonic development.
 58. A methodaccording to claim 52, which is a method for detecting physiological ortherapeutic reparation of cartilage and/or muscle.
 59. A methodaccording to claim 50, which is a method for selecting, sorting,isolating or purifying chondrocytes and/or muscle cells.
 60. A methodaccording to claim 52, which is a method for detecting regeneration ofcartilage or chondrocytes during transplantation of cartilage orchondrocytes, or of muscle or muscle cells during transplantation ofmuscle or muscle cells.
 61. A method according to claim 52, which is amethod for determining the differentiation-state of cells duringdifferentiation of chondrocytes or muscle cells.
 62. A method accordingto claim 50, which is an in vitro method.
 63. A method according toclaim 50, which is an in situ method.
 64. A method according to claim50, which is an in vivo method.
 65. A method according to claim 50,wherein the antibody or fragment thereof is capable of bindingspecifically to a fragment of the integrin subunit α11, wherein saidfragment of the integrin subunit α11 is a peptide chosen from the groupconsisting of a peptide of the cytoplasmic domain consisting essentiallyof the amino acid sequence KLGFFRSARRRREPGLDPTPKVLE (SEQ ID NO:3), apeptide of the I-domain consisting essentially of the amino acidsequence from about amino acid No.159 to about amino acid No. 355 of SEQID NO:2, and a peptide of the extracellular extension region consistingessentially of the amino acid sequence from about amino acid No. 804 toabout amino acid No. 826 of SEQ ID NO:2. 66-68. (canceled)
 69. A methodaccording to claim 50, wherein the subunit β of the integrin heterodimeris β1.
 70. A method according to claim 50, wherein said cells are chosenfrom the group consisting of fibroblasts, muscle cells, chondrocytes,osteoblasts, mesenchymally derived cells and stem cells. 71-90.(canceled)
 91. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as an activeingredient an antibody or fragment thereof which is capable of bindingspecifically to an integrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and asubunit β, or to subunit α11, or to homologues or fragments of saidintegrin heterodimer or subunit α11, wherein the integrin subunit α11comprises essentially the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2. 92.A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 91, wherein the antibodyor fragment thereof is capable of stimulating cell surface expression oractivation of an integrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and asubunit β, or of subunit α11, or of homologues or fragments of saidintegrin heterodimer or subunit α11.
 93. A pharmaceutical compositionaccording to claim 91, which is capable of stimulating, inhibiting orblocking the formation of muscles, cartilage, bone or blood vessels.94-95. (canceled)
 96. A method for promoting adhesion of cellscomprising contacting the cells with an antibody or fragment thereofcapable of binding specifically to an integrin subunit α11 comprisingsubstantially the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, or to anintegrin heterodimer comprising said subunit α11 and a subunit β, or tohomologues or fragments of said integrin heterodimer or subunit α11.97-102. (canceled)
 103. A method according to claim 96, wherein thecells are chondrocytes and/or osteoblasts, wherein the antibody orfragment thereof is introduced to the surface of an implant, and whereinthe antibody or fragment thereof promotes adhesion of said chondrocytesand/or osteoblasts to the surface of said implant.
 104. (canceled) 105.A method of stimulating, inhibiting or blocking the formation ofcartilage or bone, comprising administering to a subject in need thereofan effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition according to claim93.
 106. An antibody or fragment thereof of claim 12, wherein theantibody is a monoclonal antibody.
 107. An antibody or fragment thereofof claim 12, wherein the integrin subunit α11, or homologues orfragments thereof, are recombinant or isolated.
 108. An antibody orfragment thereof of claim 21, wherein the antibody is a monoclonalantibody.
 109. An antibody or fragment thereof of claim 21, wherein theintegrin heterodimer comprising a subunit α11 and a subunit β, orhomologues or fragments thereof, are recombinant or isolated.
 110. Anantibody or fragment thereof of claim 21, wherein the subunit β is β1.111. An antibody or fragment thereof of claim 12, which is capable ofbinding specifically to a fragment of integrin subunit α11, wherein saidfragment of integrin subunit α11 is a peptide of the cytoplasmic domaincomprising essentially the amino acid sequence KLGFFRSARRRREPGLDPTPKVLE(SEQ ID NO: 3).
 112. An antibody or fragment thereof of claim 12, whichis capable of binding specifically to a fragment of integrin subunitα11, wherein said fragment of integrin subunit α11 is a peptide of theextracellular domain comprising essentially the extracellular extensionregion from about amino acid No. 804 to about amino acid No. 826 of SEQID NO:2.
 113. An antibody or fragment thereof of claim 12, which iscapable of binding specifically to a fragment of integrin subunit α11,wherein said fragment of integrin subunit α11 is a peptide of theextracellular domain comprising essentially the I-domain from aboutamino acid No. 159 to about amino acid No. 355 of SEQ ID NO:2.
 114. Amethod according to claim 50, wherein the animal is a human.